Mastodawn

Nancy Atkinson Nov 14, 2024

Need to see something beautiful and calming? These breathtaking images from the New Zealand astrophotography competition will do the trick! https://www.universetoday.com/169293/our-breathtaking-cosmos-new-zealand-astrophotography-winners-announced/

Our Breathtaking Cosmos: New Zealand Astrophotography Winners Announced

The New Zealand Astrophotography Competition showcases and recognizes some of the most stunning images of the southern hemisphere’s night sky. This year, photographers from across New Zealand have captured some incredibly breathtaking skyscapes such as amazing auroras, stunning images of our Solar System, and deep-sky marvels. Universe Today was proud to be part of this … Continue reading "Our Breathtaking Cosmos: New Zealand Astrophotography Winners Announced"

Universe Today

Nancy Atkinson Nov 13, 2024

Not fun to report on this .... Another round of layoffs at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, lab Director Laurie Leshin said in a memo to staff, “This is a message I had hoped not to have to write." https://www.universetoday.com/169291/nasas-jpl-lays-off-another-325-people/

NASA's JPL Lays Off Another 325 People

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab has announced a second round of layoffs for 2024, this time laying off 325 people – about 5% of its workforce. The announcement was made on Nov. 12 in a memo sent to employees, which notes the layoffs could have been even larger. The last cut was made this past February, … Continue reading "NASA’s JPL Lays Off Another 325 People"

Universe Today

Nancy Atkinson Oct 31, 2024

Here's a fun way to use astronomy! An astronomer used 19th-century maps to discover the exact location of a famous painting by Vincent van Gogh, and then used astronomical calculations to determine which date the Sun would be in the exact position as the painting. https://www.universetoday.com/169086/astronomer-calculates-when-van-gogh-painted-this/

Astronomer Calculates When van Gogh Painted This

One of my favorite paintings is Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh — for obvious astronomical reasons. But another favorite of van Gogh’s works is Lane of Poplars at Sunset. This painting depicts the setting Sun perfectly aligned with a long lane of trees, casting long shadows. The geometry of the Earth and Sun means … Continue reading "Astronomer Calculates When van Gogh Painted This"

Universe Today

Nancy Atkinson Sep 13, 2024

The 2024 Astronomy Photographer of the Year winners have been announced by the Royal Observatory Greenwich , and like every year the photos are STUNNING! Take a look!! https://www.universetoday.com/168457/and-the-winner-is-astronomy-photographers-of-the-year-2024-announced/ Image here is by Tom Williams in the UK.

And the Winner is.... Astronomy Photographers of the Year 2024 Announced

Every year, the “Astronomy Photographer of the Year” competition provides incredible images of our night sky — whether they are stunning views of distant galaxies or dramatic photos of aurorae or other views from our home planet. This year is no different, and the awards were just announced at a special presentation at the Royal … Continue reading "And the Winner is…. Astronomy Photographers of the Year 2024 Announced"

Universe Today

Nancy Atkinson Jul 15, 2024

What are some of the biggest challenges for human exploration of Mars? My latest article for The Planetary Society: https://www.planetary.org/articles/challenges-facing-the-human-exploration-of-mars

Challenges facing the human exploration of Mars

From the dangers of radiation to the complications of landing a crewed spacecraft, there are myriad technical challenges facing human exploration of Mars.

The Planetary Society

Nancy Atkinson Mar 31, 2024

Ok all you procrastinators, this is your last chance to order ECLIPSE GLASSES and have them arrive in time for the big day, APRIL 8! You can get the glasses you need & support astro4equity , a wonderful org that uses astronomy and space to create STEM programs in marginalized communities around the world. Order/find out more here: https://astro4equity.org/product/solar-eclipse-glasses/

Solar Eclipse Glasses – Astronomy for Equity

Get ready for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 with solar eclipse viewing glasses. Certified safe for solar viewing by all safety standards and produced by a manufacturer approved and recommended by the American Astronomical Society.

Nancy Atkinson Mar 27, 2024

NASA has announced three science instruments and their plans for planetary science during the Artemis III mission, currently planned for 2026. https://www.universetoday.com/166321/nasa-reveals-its-planetary-science-goals-for-artemis-iii/

NASA Reveals its Planetary Science Goals for Artemis III

If all goes well, NASA’s Artemis III mission will bring humans back to the Moon as early as 2026, the first time since the Apollo 17 crew departed in 1972. It won’t be a vacation, though, as astronauts have an enormous amount of science to do, especially in lunar geology. A team from NASA recently … Continue reading "NASA Reveals its Planetary Science Goals for Artemis III"

Universe Today

Nancy Atkinson Mar 17, 2024

ECLIPSE GLASSES! Do you have yours yet? The clock is ticking and here's a great way to get the glasses you need to enjoy the April 8 total solar eclipse while also supporting @astro4equity . This great org uses astronomy and space to improve lives and communities for the most marginalized communities. Order/find out more here: https://astro4equity.org/product/solar-eclipse-glasses/

Solar Eclipse Glasses – Astronomy for Equity

Show thread

Nancy Atkinson Mar 14, 2024

Unfortunately, it appears Starship broke apart during reentry, but today's launch and performance was impressive!

Nancy Atkinson Mar 14, 2024

Starship during re-entry, wow. Waiting now for data to see if it splashed down in the Indian Ocean or if it broke apart during entry.